Gender differences in travel experiences

Keywords: Travel behavior, travel experiences, gender, travel values, urban mobility
Abstract Type: Virtual Paper Abstract

Abstract

Differences in gender in terms of travel behavior have been well-documented, but the experiences that women and men have during travel are understudied. Understanding the gender divide in experiences can indicate the diverse societal needs that can be met through inclusive, equitable mobility policy and infrastructure. Information regarding trip characteristics (n=38,838), 41 positive and negative experiences, and 18 travel activities were collected for four modal categories: micromobility (N=8,678), private motorized (PM; N=11,859), public transportation (PT; N=4,907), and walking (N=13,394) using the Woorti mobile app between May-December 2019. Chi2 tests and binary logistic regression models were applied to identify gender differences in trip experiences.
Women associate PM and men micromobility/walking with socializing. Women associated thinking/listening with micromobility, and men with PM. Women associated doing what they wanted with walking, and men with micromobility/PM. Women had negative experiences with crowds/congestion/other people during all four types, while men had positive experiences with other people/vehicles during PM/walking. During PT women had negative experiences when acquiring tickets/paying, while men had positive experiences regarding safety/security. Women particularly valued fitness/browsing/simplicity. Accessibility features improved experiences for women. Women were concerned about the ability to take kids during micromobility/PM, and about the weather during PM/PT/walking. Men valued enjoyment during micromobility/PT, scenery during active trips, eating during PM/walking, and work productivity during walking. Benches/other facilities improved men’s experiences during micromobility. Men were concerned about parking during PM/PT. Men enjoyed joy-riding. Addressing diverse mobility needs through policy and infrastructure can lead to more equitable and sustainable societies.